Maytenus aquifolium, the espinheira-santa, is an endemic tree (sometimes shrub) species endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome in southeastern Brazil.
| Maytenus aquifolium | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Celastrales |
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Genus: | Maytenus |
| Species: | M. aquifolium |
| Binomial name | |
| Maytenus aquifolium Mart. | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
Monteverdia aquifolium (Mart.) Biral (2017) | |
Distribution
It is native to the regions of Sudeste − in Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states; and of Sul − in Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul states.[2]
Uses
It is a medicinal species, being used for treating ulcers and gastritis.[3]
- Conservation
Indiscriminate usage is threatening the survival of this species in its natural habitat.[4]